The world’s largest game development event, Global Game Jam (GGJ), is returning to South Korea’s tech heartland. Zempie, the prominent indie game publishing platform, has officially opened applications for Global Game Jam 2026 x Zempie Pangyo, inviting developers, designers, and visionaries to unite for a weekend of rapid prototyping and global collaboration.
A Global Phenomenon in the Heart of Pangyo
Global Game Jam is a simultaneous worldwide hackathon where thousands of creators from over 100 countries build games based on a shared secret theme. The Pangyo edition will take place from Friday, January 30 to Sunday, February 1, at the Twosun World Building, just a short walk from Pangyo Station.
The event is designed to foster experimentation. Whether you are interested in 2D or 3D digital games, board games, or projects using alternative controllers, there are no limits to the format. Participants will form teams on-site, brainstorm ideas around the global theme, and race against the clock to present a playable prototype by Sunday afternoon.
Empowering the Indie Ecosystem
Host organization Zempie continues its mission to support the growth of the indie game community. Beyond hosting game jams, Zempie provides a comprehensive publishing platform that assists developers with everything from initial launch and marketing to long-term monetization.
Having successfully hosted previous jams in Seoul and Magok, Zempie is bringing the 2026 edition to Pangyo to better connect with the high concentration of industry professionals and aspiring developers in the region.
“The Global Game Jam is a celebration of creativity and community,” said a Zempie representative. “In 2026, the key word for the Korean game ecosystem is ‘Global.’ We want to provide a space where local creators can feel part of the worldwide game community.”
Application and Event Details
The event is open to everyone—professional developers, students, educators, and hobbyists alike. Even those without coding experience can contribute through game design, art, or sound.
- Recruitment Period: January 6 – January 23, 2026 (Friday) 11:59 PM
- Capacity: Approximately 50 participants (10 PMs, 25 Programmers, 15 Graphic Artists)
- Registration Fee: Free (A 10,000 KRW deposit is required to prevent no-shows and is returned after the event)
| Event Information | Details |
| Date & Time | Jan 30 (Fri) 7:30 PM – Feb 1 (Sun) 4:00 PM |
| Location | Grand Canyon, B1, Twosun World Building, Pangyo |
| What’s Provided | Development space, Wi-Fi, snacks, light meals, and drinks |
| Note | No sleeping facilities provided (Lounge area available) |
| Theme Reveal | Announced globally on Jan 24–25 via YouTube/Twitch |
How to Join
Interested jammers can apply through the Zempie channel on Event-us. Applicants will be notified of their status between January 20 and 22, after which the deposit must be paid by January 26 to finalize participation.
Official Links:
- Application Page: Zempie Event-us
- Global Game Jam Official Site: GlobalGameJam.org
